Electric-lighting apparatus



C. WlRT.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING APPAHAUS.

APPLICAHUN mu) mu. 3 19:1.

RENEWED IAN 16,19 9.

Patented Aug. "6, 1919.

2 SHEETS SHIET l.

c. wm. ELECHHC LIGHTING APPARMUS. APFLECATIUN HLED JAN. 3. l9ll- RENEWED JAN. 16.1919.

1,314,295. Patented Aug. 20, mm.

2 SHEEYS-SHHT 2.

CHARLES WIBT, O l PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

ELECmC-LIGKTIiNG APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 26, 1919.

Application Med January 3, 191?, Serial No. 140,855. Renewed January 16, 1919. Serial No. 271,512.

7 '0 all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES im, a. citizen of the United States, residin in the city of Philadelphia, county of Phii elphia, State ,of'Penusylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric- Li gluing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in incandescent lamp sockets having means for varying the amount of current traversing the lamp. The objects I have in View are to improve the appearance of the device,

.chc-apen the construction, increase the factor of safety, reduce the size, and improve certain detailsof construction. Y

These and further objects will more fully appear from the following specification and accompanying drawings, considered together or separately.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a device embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the same, taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the same, takenon the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional View of the same, taken on the line 4-4 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the rotary switch member.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view through the hollow resistance element, on a reduced scale, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 1.

' Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits, and

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the re sistan'ce conductor and contact members.

In all these views like parts are designated by the same reference character.

Referring to the drawing the incandescent lamp a has a base I) formin one terminal and another terminal 0. TlllS is the ordinary Edison base. In the embodiment. chosen to illustrate my invention this base enters a. shell 1. This shell is preferably made of sheet metal and is 'provided with screw .threads for engagement with the correspending threads on the base of the hump. It is to be understood if the base of the lamp is of diflerent shape the'characteristics of the shell will be modified accordingly. As sociated .Vlllll this shell is a hollow resistance elcn'ient 2. This hollow resistance element is cup-shaped, and surrounds the shell and also the base of the lamp, and by over- Associated with this resistance conductor are a number of contact members, electrically connected to the conductor at different points. In the embodiment chosen for illustration, these contact members are four in number and are designated by the characters 4, 5, G and 7. In the embodiment chosen for illustration the contact member 4 is electrically connected to the shell 1. the contact member 7 is electrically connected to one extrcmityof the conductor 3, the other contact members 5 and (i are connected intermediate the ends of the conductor. These contact members are also embedded in the wall of the element and extend upward to the top thereof so as to be engaged by the switch member, about to be described, and convey current to the lamp through varying lengths of the resistance conductor as depends upon the particular contact. member at the moment in electricaleugagemerit with the switch member. Associated with the hollow resistance element 2 is a block 8. This block is preferably made of insulating material, for example, porcelain molded in suitable shape. This block is mechanically connected tothe hollow resistance element by a standard 9. In the embodiment chosen for illustration, this standard is in the form of a metal bolt so as to make mechanical and electrical connections through different elements (if the device. Undcr the head of this standard, and between the said head and the closed end of the hollow, cylindrical resistance element 2, is an insulator washer 10 so that the standard is electrically insulated from the shell 1 while its head is adapted to electrically connect with the lamp terminal 0.

' Associated with the parts previously described is a switch member 11. This switch member is adapted to convey current, as depends upon its position, to any one of the contact members 4, 5, 6 or 7, or to neither of them if the lamp is to be extinguished. It has an insulating body 12 formed of any suitable material, for example, porcelain. It also has a contact element 13, preferably made of spring metal, so as to elastically engage with the upper end of the hollow resistance element and brush alonguthe exposed up er ends of the contact mem rs so as to ma e a suitable electric circuit. The switch member is moved preferably in a rotary direction by suitable means 14, for example, a chain or cord, made in two tpieces, each attached toan opposite side y member, so that by pulli upon either piece the switch member will ie desired direction and to the desired extent. In connection with the parts already described there is a leading-in terminal electrically connected to the standard 9, so that the current will flow thence to the'lamp terminal a, and a second leading-in terminal 16 electrically connected to the rotary switch member 11 so that. the current will flow thence to the contact members and resistance conductor 3 to the shell 1 and lamp base 6.

The details of construction which I prefer to employ are as follows:

The shell 1 is provided with a suitable locking element 17 to prevent rotation of the shell in the hollow resistance element. This locking element 17 may be in the form of a rejection as shown.

Re erring more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, illustrating the hollow resistance'element, it will be seen that the resistance condoctor is embedded in 'a suitable insulating body 18. Any suitable material may be use for this purpose which will'possess suflicien-t mechanical strength and insulating roper-' care tics and at'the same time plroperly ta of the heat g berated int c resistance conductor. The resistance element is provided with an outer casing 19 and an inner casing 20. lVith suitable insulating materials these casings may be omitted. t is also apparent that the shell 1 may be inte ally combined with the hollow resistance e ement. In the embodiment chosen for illustration however the inner casing is formed of metal and is electrically connected with the contact mcmhcr 4, see Fig. 1. One extremity of the ll'fs'lfiltlnflt conductor-3 is also connected with this contact member, so that when the contact element 13 is in the position shown in Fig. 1, the current will flow directly through the contact. member 4 to the casing 20 and thence to the. shell 1, and to the base of the lam p. \Vhcn the contact element v13 engages successively with the contact members 5, 6 and? due to themoycmcnt of the switch 7 *1 member. the currcnhwill floiw thrriugh the appropriate contact member and through a varying amount of the resistance conductor, thus intcrposing a resistance which depends upon tluposition of the switch inomhor and moving: the amount of current passing through tho lamp nd the brilliuncy thereof the switch.

therein for passage rotated in thecorreipondingly. The inner casing 20 is provi ed with a suitable locking element 21 to engage with the lockingelement'l? on the shell 1. In the embodiment chosen for illustration this locking element as shown is a depression formed in the inner casing 20. The hollow resistance element in the embodiment chosen for illustration is shown substantially of cylindrical shape with a closed upper part. The upper. part of the resistance element as shown has an openin of the standard 9 an the size of this opening may be varied as desired.

The block 8 has an annular rim 22 which encircles and. incloses the switch member. As shown in the embodiment chosen for illustration, this annular rim: mechanically engages with the upper edg'e'of the hollow-resistance element, and is held in contact therewith by means of the standard 9.' The block is provided with a recess 23 on llhe end opposits the-annular rim- It is also provided with a recess 24, on one side. The recess 23 is adapted to contain a mechanical and electrical connection with the standard 9 while the recess 24 is adapted to contain an electrical connection from the leading-in term'rnal 16 to the switch member.

The standard 9 has an enlarged head 25. provided with a suitable notch for application of a screw driver or other tool. This head engages with a counter-sunk washer 26, so as to increase the extent of bearin surface upon the insulating washer 10. Theother end of the standard is provided with screw threads 27. These screw threads engage with screw threads formed in a plate 28 lying within the recess 23 and forming a part of the leading-in terminal 15.

The switch member is adapted to be mounted upon and rotate around a cylindrical bushing 29. This bushing is preferably made of metal and extends from the block 8, to the base. or closed end of the hollow resistance element 2. The bushing is provided with a flange 30 at one end thereof, and said flange rests upon the base of the resistance element. The purpose of the spacer is to keep the switch member a suflicicnt distance away from the hollow resistance element, so that the contact elemcnt 13 may elastically engage with the contact members. A suitable plate 31, of annnlar shape, is located within the recess 24. The opening of this plate surrounds the lmss 32 on the block 8, said boss being of rhcular shape and preferably extending into the bushing 22 and centering the luttcr. This nhnnlar platc fll is electrically connected with the loading-in terminal 16. preferably by having a screw threaded opening (heroin with which the. binding post constituting: llnhauling-in terminalengages. The

s it h mcmhcr preferably has a peripheral the washer Into a recess'in the bottom of the' I is ada ted be eng forme in the flan closed in an outer shell flange 33 made integral with the insulating body 12. Ass iated with this flange is a flan ed ring 3; forming a channel for containing the actuating means 14. A suitable recess 35, forineli ii'uthe insulating body 12,

i by a projection 36 ing and by means of which it is retaine in osition on the body. On opposite sides oi e flan d ring, are openings 37, preferably made y slitting or cutting the mm?! on threesides and bending outward] a up 38. Lying within each 0 ening is a eeper 39 formed in U or staple s ape, with a slot for passage of the chain and with wings lying inside of the flanged ring and also within 40 formed in the insulating body 12. If the actuating means 14 be made of a chain similar to that illustrated, aspherical member of the chain may-lie insideof the keeper, the stem of such member passing through the slot in the .kee er. Thiswill form a connection having so cient flexibility for practical purposes.

The contact element 13 is prefers. 1y intelly formed 'a connection with ajvasher 4 formed ofelastic electric conductive material.- This washer, in the embodiment chosen for illustration, is provided with two integral flaps or arms one forming the contact element 13 and the other a spring which will bear upon the element 2. The two flaps will support the switch member on the element while ermittingit to rotate relatively thereto. t is also provided with a suitable locliigif, element engagi with the insula chosen for ustration, the locking element is formed-by punching the material forming insulating'body 12. A suitable washer 43 is on the other side of the insulating body 12 and the two washers 41 and 43 are congected together by a flanged sleeve 44. referably the washer 43 tive material that the current may flow from the annular plate 31 to the contact element 13, through the washer and flanged sleeve, as well as through the bushing 29.

On one side of the block 8 is a. guide 45 for the actuating means 14. Preferably this uide is formed of metal of trumpet shape. t is preferably held in position by means of a screw 46. This screw also carries a stop-4-7, see Figs. 1 and 4. Thisstop lies within the path of the keepers 39, and defines and limits the movement of the switch member 11. The guide 45 also is provided with a projection 48, engaging in a recess 49 in the outer casing' 19 of the hollow resistance element 2 to prevent the latter from rotating. The parts already described may be inreferahly formed of metal in two parts. he upper part or y'12. In the embo imentand flanged sleeve 44 are msade of electrically .conduccasing 50 is adapted to inclose the upper end of the lower part or casing 51. To connect-the two parts or casings together suitable lock'in plates 52 are employed, see Fig. 2. Eac 1 plate is provided with projecting flanges at both ends. The flange at the lower end engages with an annular recess 53 formed on the lower casing 51; The upper end of the plate passes through an opening in the upper casing 50 and enga es with the Side of such opening. A suita ble lockin screw 54: passes through a screw thrcade opening in the locking plate and holds the I latter in engagement with the upper end of the lower casing 51, engaging the flange on the bottom end of the locking plate with the annular recess 53, and also on aging the flange on the upper end ofthe loc ring plate with the opening in the upper casing 50. This forms a connection possessing suflicient strength to support the lower casing 51.

the moving parts, i. c., the switch member and its connections, are inclosed by the insulating material of the block and the closed end of the resistance element mo protected from injury, areghiddcn from sight, and any sparking that may or will be inside of the cavity formed by the block and the closed end of the resistance element, thus increasing the factor of safety.

' The closed end of the resistance element provides for a complete separation of the cavity in which the switch'mcmber 11 is located from the cavity of the element 2.

The use of a separate spaccinbctween the block and the element is avoided. The

block and element are rigidly secured together and the socket 1 has a rigid connection with the cup-shaped element.

is before stated the shell 19 may be omitted if desired. The shell 20 may likewise be on'iitted, in which case the projections 17 of the socket 1' may engage the depression's in the closed end of the element.

If desired the socket 1 may define the bore. of the element 2 and be molded in the element. In this situation the projections may, if desired, be omitted and the enga ment of the niateriai of the element with t lo outside of the threads of the socket be relied upon to secure the socket in position. The contact member 5; will be secured directly to the socket 1.- The annular end .plate formingthe top of the socket, as viewed in Fig. 1,, may be omitted, together with. the washers l0 and 26, and the head of the bolt 9 may engage directly with the closed end of the element 2.

In accordance with the provisionmof the patent statutes I have described the principle of my paratus w ich I nowcon'sider to.represent the best embodiment thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the alglaratus shown is merely illustratira and t at the invention may becarried-but in other ways.

Having thus described my invention what I now claim as new Letters Patent,

1. A lamp socket Tmriaing an immov- 'able hollow resistance ement, one end of means for an said elemcntbelng' ;cl Porting the base 0 bri l-incandescent electric amp within the elemefnt, an insulating member rotatable re tiv i'. to s 'd element,

and means carried by sai r for cutting diil'erent amounts of resistance in circuit with said lamp.

2. A-lamp socketcomprising an immove hollow resistance element, one end of said element being closed, means fiir supporting the base of an incandescent electric m within the element, an insulating member carried by and rotatable relatively to said element, and means carried by said member for cutting difl'erent amounts of reto surround sistance in circuit with said. lamp.

3. A' lam socket comprising an unmovable cup-sha d resistance element adapted e base of an incandescent elec tric lamp, said resistance element containing a resistance, a rotatable switch member of insulating material carried on the base of said element, and means carried by said switch member for connecting electrically difierent portions of .said resistance conductor in circuit through the lamp.

'4. .A. lamp socket comprising an 1mmov able cup-shaped resistance element, means for supporting the'iiaepf an incandescent electric lamp within said element, a rotatable switch member of insulating materisil associated with said hollow resistance memher, the base of the element being disposed between the lamp and the switch member, and means for varying the amount of resistance in said hollowresistance. element in circuit with the lamp.

5.; A lamp socket comprising a shell for engagement with the base terminal of the lamp, :1 cu shaped resistance element surrounding tie shell and immovable in relation thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with the shell, means for electrically connecting said l'flSlStill'lCG conductor at points intermediate its ends, a rotary switch meminvention, together with the ap-.

and desire to secure by tion thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with the shell, a pluralit of conta members electrically connccte with difl'e ent parts of the resistance conductor, a V tary switch member of insulating material supported on the base of the said resistance element, and havinga contact element adapted to engage with diilerent contact members as it is rotated, means for rotating the switch member, an electrical connection with the shell, and an electrical conncction with the switch member.

7. A lamp socket .comprisin a. shell for engagement with the base of a lamp, a cup sha'ed resistance element surrounding the she I and immovable in relation thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with the shell, a plurality of contact members electrically connected with diflerent parts of the resistance conductor, a block carried by the element, 2. standard electrically insulated from the shell and adaptcdto electrically contact with the other terminal of the lamp, said standard mechanically connecting the resistance element immovably in relationto the block, a rotary switch member surrounda cup-shaped resistance element suring the standard and electrically insulated therefrom, and with a contact element ada ted to engage Wltll different contact members of the resistance element as it is rotated,

means for rotating the switch memben fii leading-in terminal in electrical connectioi'r- I with the standard, and a stationary leading'-- in terminal electrical connection with th switch member.

8. A lamp socket comprising an immovable, cupped element of insulating material adapted to surround the base of an incandescent electric lamp,"said clement containingza resistance, a switch member supported by. the element, and means carried by said switch member for electrically connecting different portions of said resistance in circuit through the lamp.

9. A lamp socket comprising an immovable, cupped element of insulating material adapted to surround the base of an incandescent electric lamp, said clement containing a resistance, a rotatable switch member supported .by the element, and means carried by said switch member for electrically connecting different portions of said resistance in circuit through the lamp.

10. A lamp soclrct comprising an immovable, cupped element of insulating material adapted to surround the base of an incandescent electric lamp, said element contain ing a resistance, a rotatable switch member of insulating material supported by the elenient, and means carried by said switch member for electrically connecting difl'erent portions of said resistance in circuit through the lamp.

11., A lamp socket comprising an immovable, hollow element of insulating material, adapledto surround an incandescent electric lamp, one end of said element being closed to form a base, a resistance device embedded in the element, contact members secured to the resistance device at separated points, said contact members extending through the base of the element, a rotatable switch member of insulating material supported on the base'of the element, means carried by the switch member for rotating the same relatively to the element, and means carried by the switch member for electrically connecting difierent portions of the resistance in circuit through the lamp.

12. A lamp socketetomprising an iinmeu able hollow resistance element, one end of said element being closed to form a cup, a resistance device embedded in the element, contact members engaging the resistance device atseparatcd points, means within the cup of the element for supporting the base of an incandescent electric lamp, a block, said block havin an annular flange engaging the element, t ere being a cavity formed between the block and the closed end of the element, a rotatable insulatingmember within the cavity, means carried by said member for cutting different amounts of resistance in circuit with the lamp, and means for rotating the member.

13. A lamp socket comprising an immovable cup-shapcd resistance element having a resistance device embedded in its wall, contact members engaging the resistance device at separated points, means within the cup for supporting the base of an incandescent electric lamp, a block having an annular flange, said flange engaging the closed end of the cup thereby forming an inclosed cavity between the cup and block, a standard for securing the block and cup together, a tubular column ositioned between the block and cup and wit in the cavity and surround ing the standard, an insulating switch member disposed within the cavity and rotatable about the column, a spring finger carriedby the switch member and adapted to coact with a contact member whereby varyin amounts of resistance may be' cut in circuit with the lamp as the switch member is retated, andmeans for rotating the switch member.

14. A lamp socket comprising an immovable cup-shaped resistance element, a resistance device embedded in the element, means within 'the cup for supporting the base of an incandescent electric lamp, :1, block of insulating material, said block having an annular flange extending axially thereof, said flange engaging the resistance element, means ior securing the block and element together, there being a cavity inclosed by the block and the closed end of the element, a rotatable switch member of insulating material in the cavity, means carried by the switch member for contactinc with the resistance device means for rotating the switch member, a leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the switch memher, and a leading-in terminal inelectrical connection with the lamp base.

15. A lamp socket comprising a shell for iengagement with the base of a lamp, a hollow resistance element surrounding the shell and immovable in relation thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with the shell, a plurality of contact members electrically connected with diflerent parts of the resistance conductor, a block, a standard electrically insulated from the shell and adapted to electrically contact with the other terminal of the lamp, said standard mechanically connectin the resistance element in immovable relation to the block, a rotary switch member surrounding the standard and electrically insulated therefrom and with a contact ele ment acla ted to engage with different contact mem ers as it is rotated, means for rotating the switch member, means for limiting the movement of the rotary switch memher, a leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the standard, and a stationary leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the stationary switchmember.

16. A lamp sockct-comprising a shell for engagement with the base of a lamp, :1. hollow resistance element surrounding the shell and fixed in relation thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with theshell, a plurality of contact members electrically connected with different parts of the resistance conductor, a block, a standard electrically insulated from the shell and adapted to electrically contact with the other terminal of the lamp, said standard mechanically connectingthe resistance element and the block, a rotary switch member surrounding the standard and electrically insulated therefrom and with a contact element adapted to engage with difierent contact members as it is rotated, means for rotating the switch member, a stop carried by the block, a leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the standard, and a leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the switch member. 17. A lamp socket comprising a shell for engagement with the base of alamp, a holconnecting the resistance element and the block, a rotary switch member carried by the bushing and surrounding the standard and electrically insulated therefrom and with a contact element adapted to engage with diflerent contact members as it is rota'ted,- means for rotatin the" switch memher, a lea interminail in electrical connection with the standard, and a leading-in terminal in electrical connection with the switch member.

18. A lamp socket comprising a shell for engagement with the base of a lamp, a hollow element snrrounding the shell and fixed in relation thereto, said resistance element having a resistance conductor electrically connected with the shell, a pluralit of contact members electrically with diflerent parts of the resistance 'con-:-

ductor, a block, a. boss on the blocln'a bushin engaging the boss, a standard eleozatrlca y insulated from the shell and adapted to electricallycontact with the other termi: ml of the lamp,"said standard mechanically connecting; the resistance element and the block, a rotary switch member carried by the bushing and surrounding the standard and electrically insulated therefrom and with a contact element adapted to engage with different contact members as it is rotated, means foFrOtating the switch memher, a leading-in terminal in electrical con-' nection with the standard, and-a leadfn in terminal in electice} connection with the bushing.

19. A lamp socket comprising an inclosing shell, a fixed, hollow, cylindrical insulating element wifliin the shell,a support for an, incandescent electric lamp Supported within and in immovable contact with the :element, a spiral resistance embedded in the element, a rotatable cylindrical switch member of 1nsulating material in axial ali'negnent with the element, a spring contact carried by the switch member for electrically connecting different portions of the resistance conductor in circuit with the lamp support, a spring carried by the switch member and engaging the element, means for rotating the switch member, and means insulated from 'the switch member for limiting the rotation of the switch member.

This specification signed and witnessed this 30th day of December, 1916.

CHARLES WIRT.

Witnesses: A. E. BENTON,

J. G. McDnnmo'm. 

